Joint US and Israeli airstrikes have killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had ruled the country for nearly 40 years. His death has pushed Iran into deep uncertainty and sparked a conflict that could spread across much of the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump announced Khamenei’s death on Saturday. Iranian authorities later confirmed it. Trump said US bombing would continue “as long as necessary” to achieve what he called peace in the Middle East and around the world. Israeli forces continued striking targets in Iran on Sunday.
Iran has responded with a large wave of missile and drone attacks across the region. The strikes targeted Israel and several countries that host US military bases, including Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Sunday that “bloodshed and revenge” are Iran’s “legitimate right and duty.”
Here is what we know so far.
Why did the US strike Iran?
In a video posted on Truth Social, Trump said the main goal was to defend the American people from what he described as immediate threats from Iran. He pointed to Iran’s nuclear program and claimed US strikes had destroyed key parts of it.
The US had recently been holding talks with Iran over a possible new nuclear agreement. However, at the same time, the Trump administration had built up a large military presence in the Middle East.
Although Iran had said it would not stockpile enriched uranium, Trump said that was not enough. He accused Iran of refusing to give up its nuclear ambitions and said the US could not accept that risk.
Trump also cited decades of tension between the two countries, including past attacks linked to Iran. He repeated claims that Iran is developing long-range missiles, though some intelligence officials have questioned how close Iran is to building a missile capable of reaching the United States.
Why is Israel striking Iran?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long described Iran as Israel’s greatest threat. After weakening Iran’s allies in Syria and Lebanon in recent years, Israel resumed direct strikes on Iran.
Netanyahu said Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. Israeli officials also linked the attacks to past violence carried out by groups backed by Iran.
Some analysts say domestic politics may also play a role, with Israeli elections scheduled for later this year.
Are the US and Israel seeking regime change?
Both Trump and Netanyahu suggested they hope for political change in Iran. Trump told Iranians that their “hour of freedom” had arrived. Netanyahu urged the Iranian people to stand up against their leaders.
There have been small celebrations in some parts of Iran following Khamenei’s death. But there have also been public gatherings in Tehran mourning him. So far, there is no sign of large nationwide protests.
What has been hit?
The first wave of strikes appeared aimed at Iran’s leadership. A heavily guarded compound in Tehran linked to Khamenei suffered major damage.
Israel said many senior Iranian military officials were killed in the opening attacks, including Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Abdoorahim Mousavi. Iranian media confirmed Mousavi’s death.
Other cities were also hit. In Minab, a strike on a girls’ elementary school caused heavy casualties. Iranian state media reported more than 200 people killed nationwide and hundreds more injured. A US-based human rights group reported over 130 civilian deaths.
Israel said it carried out additional strikes in Tehran on Sunday, with large explosions reported across the capital.
How has Iran responded?
Iran launched missile and drone attacks across the region, targeting Israel and countries that host US forces. Explosions were reported in Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
Airports in the region were affected. In Dubai, video showed people evacuating a smoke-filled airport corridor. Damage was also reported at airports in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait. Buildings were hit in Bahrain.
The fighting has also disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route.
US Central Command said there were no US combat deaths and only limited damage to American military facilities.
Who is leading Iran now?
Iran must now choose a new supreme leader. The decision will be made by the Assembly of Experts, a body of senior clerics.
Under Iran’s constitution, leadership powers temporarily pass to a council made up of the president, the head of the judiciary and a senior cleric. On Sunday, officials announced a provisional council including President Masoud Pezeshkian, judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi.
Trump said diplomacy with Iran may now be easier, but US officials have indicated that military operations could continue for several days, suggesting the conflict is not yet over.
Featured image from: x.com